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Endocrine system is the system of circulating hormones in our body which help to regulate the metabolism, growth and activity of target cells. Each hormone is released by specific endocrine gland and has specific target area which is discussed in detail under topic Endocrine hormones.

Endocrine system disorders or endocrine diseases often involve either hyposecretion i.e. inadequate release of a hormone, or hypersecretion meansexcessive release of a hormone. Other then this, hormone receptors can also be faulty,or there may be an inadequate number of receptors to receive the hormone. Any one of these conditions can lead to disorder of endocrine system. Below is the list of disorders retailed to endocrine hormones.

Diabetes insipidus – excretion of large volumes of urine which results in dehydration and thirst. This type of diabetes occurs due to any of the 2 reasons: due to hyposecretion of ADH from posterior pituitary or due to defects in ADH receptors and kidneys do not respond to ADH in both the cases.

Thyroid Gland- Thyroid hormone

HYPERSECRETION: Condition is called Hyperthyroidism- Graves’ Disease– more common in females, it is an auto-immune disorder, person has 2 to 3 times enlarged thyroid gland, develops edema behind eyes (exophthalmos)i.e. protruding eyes.

HYPOSECRETION: Condition is called Hypothyroidism. Deficiency of iodine in diet leads to hypothyroidism and enlargement of thyroid gland called as Goitre.

HYPERSECRETION: Condition is called Hyperparathyroidism. High level of hormone leads to excessive resorption of Ca2+ from bones leading to high blood calcium level, bones become soft, prone to fracture, cause of kidney stones, person become lethargic.

Two types of diabetes mellitus—type 1 and type 2. Type 1 diabetes– Insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM)– Person’s immune system destroys the pancreatic beta cells so insulin secretion decreases. As a result, the pancreas produces little or no insulin. Ketone bodies form in this case leading to fall in blood pH called as Ketoacidosis.

Type 2 diabetes– Non-insulin-dependentdiabetes mellitus (NIDDM)– more common than type 1. Disease occurs not due to shortage of insulin but because target cells become less sensitive to it due to down-regulation of insulin receptors (Insulin resistance). Obese people more prone to it.

Hyperinsulinism: Due to excessive production of insulin or when a diabetic person injects too much insulin. Leads to hypoglycemia (decreased blood glucose level). Severe hypoglycemia leads to mental disorientation, convulsions, unconsciousness, and shock.

Shock due to an insulin overdose is termed Insulin Shock. Sudden death can occur in this case unless blood glucose is restored to normal levels.

NOTE:Thyroidectomy: Surgical removal of thyroid gland.

Gynecomastia: Excessive development of mammary glands in a male due to high secretion of estrogens in male.

Hirsutism: Presence of excessive body and facial hair like males in female due to high androgen production in females.